This term came about through a very popular cartoon of a helmet topping off a pair of boots to signify the veteran with just a short time left in his enlistment and keeping a REALLY low profile, turtle-like, trying to make it out alive. Among VietNam and older veterans a challenge term by which infantrymen recognized each other.

When a veteran infantryman would meet another veteran, the question would be asked: "Are you a turtle?". To which the challenged veteran would have to either reply "You bet your sweet ass I am!" or have to buy the challenging veteran a drink.

VERB : During a fight, the act of covering up your head with both forearms and cowering. Significantly decreases the effectiveness of an opponent's attacks, however, it carries a massive reputation backlash.

NOUN : The actual act of doing a turtle.

NOUN 2 : Slang term for one who has done a turtle.

'Man, I was gonna beat him down, but he pulled a turtle on me.'
'A'ight, let's do this thang. No guns, no knives, no turtling.'
'I can't believe you wimped out on me! You're such a turtle.'

They are best most awesomest animals know to mankind. They are all cool and slow and like SWAG "yo whatupp im a turtle" Only some people know about their plan to dominate the world and make many explosions in the middle of the ocean... watch out for that supper awesome world dominating turtle!